Sale of Marijuana Now Legal in California

Following the outcome of Proposition 64, the sale of marijuana from established businesses is now legal as of January 1, 2018.

The new law allows for businesses to sell the recreational drug without the need for a doctor’s note, but restrictions and regulations are still in effect that limit this freedom to specific locations, districts, shops and more. One such regulation, according to the Los Angeles Times, holds that Los Angeles, West Hollywood, San Francisco, Oakland, San Diego, Santa Cruz and San Jose will allow for recreational sale, but licenses for the shops in these areas may not be issued right away. Riverside, Fresno, Bakersfield, Pasadena and Anaheim, according to officials, have not yet allowed for recreational sale and maintains selling pot for medicinal purposes only.

Additionally, an age requirement of 21 and over is still applied, along with a weight maximum of one ounce for recreational use, and up to six plants only to be grown legally at any given time. Public places still hold tight restrictions — for example near public schools and playgrounds — along with locations where cigarette smoking is prohibited. Lastly, smoking while driving is still prohibited.

Nevertheless, strong revenue arriving due to the passing of Proposition 64 is being reported by shop owners that have been allowed to sell legally, with many hopeful for the realization of the health benefits and safe usage of marijuana. For more on the business of cannibis, read how analysts are estimating the sale of pot has breached more than $10 billion USD and can reach more than $24 billion by 2021.